Patents by Inventor Tom Harper

Tom Harper has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9497150
    Abstract: A system provides a conversation construct for the routing of external communications to a party within an entity. Internal interactions of individuals in the entity may be associated by a server system with the conversation construct. Messages may be associated with interactions that may have as participants less than all participants of a conversation construct. An interaction may be a backchannel interaction and exclude one or more participants of a parent interaction. Interactions may be grouped into sequences that likewise may have a limited set of participants. A sequence may have a state associated therewith used by the entity to track progress in achieving an objective. A conversation construct and the sequences and interactions thereof may be presented in an interface to a user that includes those portions of the conversation construct for which the user is a participant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TUUL, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Harper, Toby Corey, Wayne Tsuchitani
  • Patent number: 9477522
    Abstract: A system provides workflow management functions over a messaging or data protocol. A workflow management object defining functions and values and events for sending and receiving workflow management data is defined on a first device and transmitted to a second device. On the second device the workflow is rendered for interaction and response, and an interaction with the workflow object is captured. A captured or generated response is transmitted back to the first device or intermediary system via the messaging protocol. The response to the workflow object (e.g. an event) may be used by the device or intermediary systems to update a status of a workflow such as hosted by a remote server system. Events detected by a workflow system may invoke processing of subsequent workflow objects in a chain such that a complex workflow may be processed over the messaging protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: TUUL, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Harper, Toby Corey, Wayne Tsuchitani
  • Publication number: 20160014064
    Abstract: A system provides a conversation construct for the routing of external communications to a party within an entity. Internal interactions of individuals in the entity may be associated by a server system with the conversation construct. Messages may be associated with interactions that may have as participants less than all participants of a conversation construct. An interaction may be a backchannel interaction and exclude one or more participants of a parent interaction. Interactions may be grouped into sequences that likewise may have a limited set of participants. A sequence may have a state associated therewith used by the entity to track progress in achieving an objective. A conversation construct and the sequences and interactions thereof may be presented in an interface to a user that includes those portions of the conversation construct for which the user is a participant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Tom Harper, Toby Corey, Wayne Tsuchitani
  • Publication number: 20160004565
    Abstract: A system provides workflow management functions over a messaging or data protocol. A workflow management object defining functions and values and events for sending and receiving workflow management data is defined on a first device and transmitted to a second device. On the second device the workflow is rendered for interaction and response, and an interaction with the workflow object is captured. A captured or generated response is transmitted back to the first device or intermediary system via the messaging protocol. The response to the workflow object (e.g. an event) may be used by the device or intermediary systems to update a status of a workflow such as hosted by a remote server system. Events detected by a workflow system may invoke processing of subsequent workflow objects in a chain such that a complex workflow may be processed over the messaging protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Tom Harper, Toby Corey, Wayne Tsuchitani
  • Patent number: 8116370
    Abstract: According to aspects of embodiments of the invention, a method of encoding a sequence of frames of image data, each frame including a number of lines of pixels equal to a frame height, and each line having a number of pixels equal to a line length, comprises: encoding as an encoded symbol stream a sequence of pixels of a frame without including an end-of-line code after each line; identifying as a run having a run length, a sequence of pixels having values less than a threshold; and encoding the run using digit encoding. According to other aspects, the digit encoding may further comprise: identifying a set of most frequently used symbols; assigning a symbolic digit to each of the set of most frequently used symbols; assigning a start symbol; and encoding using digit encoding may include: inserting in the encoded symbol stream the start symbol; and inserting in the encoded symbol stream after the start symbol a sequence of symbolic digits identifying the run length of the run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Aron Rosenberg, Tom Harper
  • Patent number: 7826526
    Abstract: According to aspects of embodiments of the invention, a method of encoding a sequence of frames of image data, each frame including a number of lines of pixels equal to a frame height, and each line having a number of pixels equal to a line length, comprises: encoding as an encoded symbol stream a sequence of pixels of a frame without including an end-of-line code after each line; identifying as a run having a run length, a sequence of pixels having values less than a threshold; and encoding the run using digit encoding. According to other aspects, the digit encoding may further comprise: identifying a set of most frequently used symbols; assigning a symbolic digit to each of the set of most frequently used symbols; assigning a start symbol; and encoding using digit encoding may include: inserting in the encoded symbol stream the start symbol; and inserting in the encoded symbol stream after the start symbol a sequence of symbolic digits identifying the run length of the run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Aron Rosenberg, Tom Harper
  • Patent number: 7178588
    Abstract: An improved cup and method for making same for use on a “pig” or any other down hole equipment for engaging the wall of a pipe line, which comprises an inner metal sleeve portion; a metal shoulder portion extending outward from the sleeve around its perimeter extending into an angulated arm portion; a strong flexible material, such as polyurethane, molded onto an outer surface of the sleeve, and enveloping the metal shoulder and arm portion, the flexible material defining the outer body and cup portion of the improved cup, so that the metal shoulder and arm portion enveloped by and integral to the cup portion provides additional support to the flexible material to prevent deformation of other damage to the circular cup as it would be positioned on the “pig” body or other down hole device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Tom Harper, James Rick Stewart, David Hutchinson, Terry DeRoche, Jr., Larry J. Kirepel
  • Publication number: 20060207168
    Abstract: A method of producing a phytoplankton extract includes obtaining seawater including phytoplankton. The seawater is stored in a tank and circulated within the tank. Air is mixed with the seawater. The phytoplankton is autolysed. The phytoplankton is collected. A compound includes an autolysed phytoplankton taken from an algae paste. The autolysed phytoplankton can be a powder or a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventor: Tom Harper
  • Patent number: 7096227
    Abstract: A system and methods for rapid unloading and reorganization of hierarchical databases. Overflow and a window of blocks are progressively read into memory. Unloading proceeds as the scan cylinders window moves ahead. The reading of blocks stays about scan cylinders ahead of the unload. As a segment is unloaded, its space is converted to free IMS space and when appropriate, combined with adjacent free space already in the block. Thus about a window behind the unload point in the database, all of the segments in a block will have been converted to free space making the block one unit of free space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Neon Enterprise Software, Inc.
    Inventors: John Murray, Tom Harper
  • Publication number: 20060106835
    Abstract: A system and methods for rapid unloading and reorganization of hierarchical databases. Overflow and a window of blocks are progressively read into memory. Unloading proceeds as the scan cylinders window moves ahead. The reading of blocks stays about scan cylinders ahead of the unload. As a segment is unloaded, its space is converted to free IMS space and when appropriate, combined with adjacent free space already in the block. Thus about a window behind the unload point in the database, all of the segments in a block will have been converted to free space making the block one unit of free space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: John Murray, Tom Harper
  • Patent number: 7016905
    Abstract: A system and methods for rapid unloading and reorganization of heirarchical databases. Overflow and a window of blocks are progressively read into memory. Unloading proceeds as the scan cylinders window moves ahead. The reading of blocks stays about scan cylinders ahead of the unload. As a segment is unloaded, its space is converted to free IMS space and when appropriate, combined with adjacent free space already in the block. Thus about a window behind the unload point in the database, all of the segments in a block will have been converted to free space making the block one unit of free space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Neon Enterprise Software, Inc.
    Inventors: John Murray, Tom Harper
  • Publication number: 20050247448
    Abstract: An improved cup and method for making same for use on a “pig” or any other down hole equipment for engaging the wall of a pipe line, which comprises an inner metal sleeve portion; a metal shoulder portion extending outward from the sleeve around its perimeter extending into an angulated arm portion; a strong flexible material, such as polyurethane, molded onto an outer surface of the sleeve, and enveloping the metal shoulder and arm portion, the flexible material defining the outer body and cup portion of the improved cup, so that the metal shoulder and arm portion enveloped by and integral to the cup portion provides additional support to the flexible material to prevent deformation of other damage to the circular cup as it would be positioned on the “pig” body or other down hole device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventors: Tom Harper, James Stewart, David Hutchinson, Terry DeRoche, Larry Kirepel
  • Publication number: 20050117636
    Abstract: According to aspects of embodiments of the invention, a method of encoding a sequence of frames of image data, each frame including a number of lines of pixels equal to a frame height, and each line having a number of pixels equal to a line length, comprises: encoding as an encoded symbol stream a sequence of pixels of a frame without including an end-of-line code after each line; identifying as a run having a run length, a sequence of pixels having values less than a threshold; and encoding the run using digit encoding. According to other aspects, the digit encoding may further comprise: identifying a set of most frequently used symbols; assigning a symbolic digit to each of the set of most frequently used symbols; assigning a start symbol; and encoding using digit encoding may include: inserting in the encoded symbol stream the start symbol; and inserting in the encoded symbol stream after the start symbol a sequence of symbolic digits identifying the run length of the run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Aron Rosenberg, Tom Harper
  • Publication number: 20050108764
    Abstract: According to aspects of embodiments of the invention, a method of encoding a sequence of frames of image data, each frame including a number of lines of pixels equal to a frame height, and each line having a number of pixels equal to a line length, comprises: encoding as an encoded symbol stream a sequence of pixels of a frame without including an end-of-line code after each line; identifying as a run having a run length, a sequence of pixels having values less than a threshold; and encoding the run using digit encoding. According to other aspects, the digit encoding may further comprise: identifying a set of most frequently used symbols; assigning a symbolic digit to each of the set of most frequently used symbols; assigning a start symbol; and encoding using digit encoding may include: inserting in the encoded symbol stream the start symbol; and inserting in the encoded symbol stream after the start symbol a sequence of symbolic digits identifying the run length of the run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Aron Rosenberg, Tom Harper
  • Publication number: 20050102295
    Abstract: A system and methods for rapid unloading and reorganization of heirarchical databases. Overflow and a window of blocks are progressively read into memory. Unloading proceeds as the scan cylinders window moves ahead. The reading of blocks stays about scan cylinders ahead of the unload. As a segment is unloaded, its space is converted to free IMS space and when appropriate, combined with adjacent free space already in the block. Thus about a window behind the unload point in the database, all of the segments in a block will have been converted to free space making the block one unit of free space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: John Murray, Tom Harper
  • Patent number: 6622142
    Abstract: A system and methods for rapid unloading and reorganization of hierarchical databases. Overflow and a window of blocks are progressively read into memory. Unloading proceeds as the scan cylinders window moves ahead. The reading of blocks stays about scan cylinders ahead of the unload. As a segment is unloaded, its space is converted to free IMS space and when appropriate, combined with adjacent free space already in the block. Thus about a window behind the unload point in the data base, all of the segments in a block will have been converted to free space making the block one unit of free space. There will then be no further references to this block and it may be page released back to the OS memory management. Thus no paging subsystem I/O occurs. Where data remains in the data space at the conclusion of the unload, errors are noted that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Staktek Group, L.P.
    Inventors: John Murray, Tom Harper
  • Patent number: 6199609
    Abstract: A working surface 14 is provided with a plurality of splint locators 15-18 and a bottom locating area 27 suitable for arranging basket splints 11A-C, 12A-C into a predetermined number and configuration of angularly related sets 11, 12. A slot 44, 45 and a linearly aligned set of sockets 48A-C, 49A-C are formed in the working surface 14 outwardly from two of the perimeter edge portions 21, 22 of the bottom locating area 27. An alignment rim 29, 30 is provided for positioning one end of each of the basket splints in one of the angularly related sets 11, 12. A bolt 50, 51 is slidably mounted in each of the slots 44, 45 and extends upwardly through each of the alignment rims 29, 30. A wing nut 56, 57 is threadedly mounted on each of the bolts 50, 51 for releasably tightening the alignment rims 29, 30 at selected sites on the working surface 14. A ring-headed pin 58, 59 extends downwardly through each of the alignment rims 29, 30 for releasably engaging a selected one of the sockets 48A-C, 49A-C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Longaberger Company
    Inventors: Tom Harper, Duane Bice, Jack Hindel, Tim Teal, Leane Lefever, Vicki Lahna, Todd Miller, Chris Corp
  • Patent number: 6167930
    Abstract: Each of two end sections and one middle section of the present basket form is formed with a centrally and axially disposed passageway and with a pair of diametrically opposing passageways spaced radially outwardly from the central passageway. All of the passageways in one of the sections are simultaneously alignable with corresponding passageways in the other sections. The central passageways are adapted to receive a mounting member. Each of the radially outwardly disposed passageways are adapted to receive a bolt, and a wing nut is tightened onto an outwardly projecting threaded end of each bolt to hold the separable sections of the form in alignment with one another. The middle section of the form may be removed and the two end sections held in alignment with one another to accommodate a shallower basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: The Longaberger Company
    Inventors: Tom Harper, Duane Bice, Jack Hindel, Tim Teal, Leane Lefever, Vicki Lahna, Todd Miller, Chris Corp
  • Patent number: D464199
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: The Longaberger Company
    Inventors: Sun Lacy, Leane M. Lefever, Jack Hindel, Tony Bible, Vicki Lahna, Mark Randles, Duane Bice, Tom Harper